Near Westwood in Lassen County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Chimney
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 5, 2013
1. The Chimney Marker
A small brass plaque on top of the marker reads:
For a video slide show of this project get into Facebook. Search for Chimney Fund. Click on Chimney Fund + others. Look at Tunison Cafe.
Inscription.
The Chimney. . Built in late 1920’s as a Chevron Service Station, it was purchased in 1935 by the Tunisons who added the bar and restaurant with the fireplace. In Dec., 1942 bartender Ray Bollengier was shot and killed by an angry patron. The building burned in 1960 but the chimney remained much as it looks today. It is the icon of Westwood charitable group The Chimney Fund. On Christmas Eve there’s a tradition to gather at the chimney, start a roaring fire, sing Christmas carols and toast those who have gone to the golden hills. The rumors that it was a dance hall and bordello and why it burned down have not been confirmed.
Built in late 1920’s as a Chevron Service Station, it was purchased in 1935 by the Tunisons who added the bar & restaurant with the fireplace. In Dec., 1942 bartender Ray Bollengier was shot and killed by an angry patron. The building burned in 1960 but the chimney remained much as it looks today. It is the icon of Westwood charitable group The Chimney Fund. On Christmas Eve there’s a tradition to gather at the chimney, start a roaring fire, sing Christmas carols & toast those who have gone to the golden hills. The rumors that it was a dance hall and bordello and why it burned down have not been confirmed.
Erected 2010 by E Clampus Vitus, The Vigilantes Chapter No. 1911 & The Chimney Fund.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1942.
Location. 40° 19.472′ N, 120° 56.242′ W. Marker is near Westwood, California, in Lassen County. Marker is on California Route 36 at milepost 6.9, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Susanville CA 96130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Chuck’s Railroad Room (approx. 3.6 miles away); Red River Bakery (approx. 3.7
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 887 times since then and 186 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on June 17, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2. submitted on July 28, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
